Learning objectives
To give complete overview of the basic neurophysiological functions
Course unit content
Physiology the Nervous System
Functional properties of nervous cells: ionic channels, resting membrane potential and action potential. Mechanisms of synaptic transmission: neurotransmitters and receptors. Neuromuscular synapse. Spinal reflex: stretch reflex and flexor reflex.
Sensory systems. Sensory transduction.. Somatic system: anatomic and functional organization. Pain. Fundamental organization of Cerebral cortex. Somatic cortices. Vision. Fundamental concepts in visual physiology. Visual system. Visual pathways and visual cortex. Motor systems. Cerebellum. Basal ganglia. The primary motor cortex. Cortical pathways to motor neurons. Premotor cortices
Functional organization of the Autonomic nervous System. Sympathetic Division, Parasympathetic Division and the Enteric Division. Autonomic reflex. Functional organization of the Hypothalamus. Neuroendocrine System: Brain-pituitary-Organ Axes
Bibliography
Fisiologia Medica a cura di Fiorenzo Conti. Volume 1. Edi-Ermes editore.